Strategy games are perfect for players who love to think ahead, solve problems, and outsmart their opponents. Whether you’re playing solo or against others, these games test your mind and reward smart decisions. In 2025, there are more great strategy games than ever, across PC, mobile, and consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
Online Poker (PC and Mobile)
Poker is one of the most popular strategy games in the world. It mixes skill, timing, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em or Omaha, poker gives you a mental challenge and a chance to test your strategic thinking. If you’re looking to sharpen your mind and maybe win some money too, poker is a great choice.
If you’re on a low-end PC, online poker might be the best option for you, as games do not require a high-end PC, making them easy for anyone to access now, without needing to invest in powerful hardware.
Fire Emblem: Reawakening (Nintendo Switch)
The Fire Emblem series continues to impress fans with its latest release, Fire Emblem: Reawakening. This turn-based tactical RPG offers a deep story, strong characters, and smart combat systems. You lead a group of warriors through battles while building relationships between characters. Every choice matters. Losing a soldier in battle means they’re gone for good. It’s only available on the Nintendo Switch, but the game runs beautifully and fits perfectly on the handheld screen.
Company of Heroes 3 (PC and Steam Deck)
Company of Heroes 3 brings real-time strategy back to the spotlight. It’s set in World War II, and players need to make quick choices under pressure. You manage troops, tanks, and supply lines.
What makes this game special is its blend of fast action and long-term planning. You need to adapt to enemy movements while capturing strategic points on the map. The game is demanding, but also rewarding. With strong support for Steam Deck, you can now take the battlefield with you wherever you go.
Total War: Pharaoh (PC)
For fans of history and large-scale battles, Total War: Pharaoh is a dream come true. It combines grand strategy with tactical battles. You manage your kingdom on a large map, form alliances, and lead armies in real-time battles.
The game is set in ancient Egypt and offers a fresh setting with a lot of detail. You can play it on a mid-range PC, without needing to invest in one of the best gaming PCs, and still enjoy the rich visuals and smooth gameplay. It’s a good pick for players who enjoy long sessions and careful planning.
Marvel Snap (Mobile and PC)
Marvel Snap is a card-based strategy game that works well on mobile and PC. It’s quick to learn but hard to master. You build a deck using Marvel heroes and battle against other players in fast matches. Each game takes only a few minutes, but smart moves and knowing when to take risks are key.
The game has regular updates and new cards, which keep things interesting. It’s perfect for short breaks or while commuting, and doesn’t require a huge amount of time or commitment.
Into the Breach: Advanced Edition (Switch, Mobile, and PC)
Into the Breach is a small but smart strategy game that offers big challenges. You control robots fighting aliens on a grid. Every move counts, and you always see what your enemy will do next.
This makes the game more about careful planning than reacting. The new Advanced Edition adds new missions, weapons, and enemies. It’s available on the Nintendo Switch, mobile, and PC. The game is light on system requirements, but heavy on brainpower.
Clash of Clans and Clash Royale (Mobile)
Clash of Clans focuses on base building and defense, while Clash Royale is about fast battles and real-time decision-making. Both games are free to play and offer a lot of strategic depth. You can spend just a few minutes or several hours a day. With frequent updates and large communities, these games stay fresh and competitive.
Triangle Strategy (Nintendo Switch)
Triangle Strategy is a turn-based tactics game with a strong focus on story and decision-making. Every choice you make affects the path of the game. It mixes classic tactics with a modern style. You command units across grid-based maps, using the terrain and unit types to your advantage.
The art style is clean and charming, and the story is deep without being too heavy. It’s a solid choice for fans of games like Final Fantasy Tactics.
Age of Empires IV (PC and Xbox)
Age of Empires IV continues to be a top pick for real-time strategy fans. In 2025, new expansions and updates have made it even better. You build your base, collect resources, and grow your army.
The goal is to defeat your rivals and dominate the map. The game mixes history with fun, letting you play as different cultures like the English, Mongols, or Chinese. It runs great on both PC and Xbox, and supports cross-play between platforms.
If you’re on a low budget and have Microsoft’s Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate, you can enjoy Age of Empires as part of the subscription, without needing to pay for the game itself.
Slay the Spire (Mobile, Switch, PC)
Slay the Spire is a mix of card game and roguelike, which means every run is different. You build your deck as you go, choosing cards and relics that can help or hurt you.
The strategy comes from knowing how to build a good deck and when to take risks. It’s easy to pick up but offers a lot of replay value. You can play it on mobile, Nintendo Switch, or PC. The game’s quick runs make it great for both short and long play sessions.
Wargroove 2 (Switch and PC)
Wargroove 2 is a colorful tactics game with a medieval fantasy theme. You control units on a grid map, similar to Fire Emblem, but with simpler systems. The game has a fun style and strong multiplayer modes.
You can even make your own maps and share them. It’s great for players who want a mix of serious planning and fun visuals. The new campaign in Wargroove 2 also adds more depth and story to the game.
Plague Inc: Evolved (PC and Mobile)
This game has been around for a while, but it still holds up as one of the most unique strategy games out there. In Plague Inc, you create a disease and try to spread it across the world. You need to outsmart scientists and work with different traits to succeed.
The game has been updated to reflect modern concerns and scenarios, which makes it feel fresh again in 2025. It’s available on both PC and mobile.
Dota Underlords (Mobile and PC)
Dota Underlords is a game where you place units on a board and watch them fight automatically. The strategy lies in how you build your team and manage your economy.
It’s part of the auto chess genre and offers deep gameplay without fast reflexes. It’s perfect for players who like to think ahead and adapt during each round. You can play it for free, and it works well on both mobile and PC.
Honorable Mentions & Upcoming Games
There are also a few games worth keeping an eye on. Games like Frostpunk 2, Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader, and the upcoming XCOM 3 could also become top strategy picks.
If you’re looking for a title similar to Age of Empires, Manor Lords is another great choice. With its medieval city building and large-scale battles, it’s one of the most exciting strategy games to have been released in recent years.
But if you’re after something a little more chilled. Perhaps take a look at Kingdoms Reborn. Originally built by a solo developer, the project has quickly grown in size, taking on more developers and adding frequent new content.
